Albania’s Student Revolt Broadens as Trust in Dialogue Erodes
Lecturers, writers and parents joining the demonstrations deepen the political challenge facing Prime Minister Edi Rama, as allegations of police brutality fuel demands for his resignation. Tirana Times, October 20, 2026 – The participation of university lecturers, writers, artists and parents in Albania’s student protests marks a significant widening of …
Albania’s Former Deputy Prime Minister Faces Corruption Charges After Months of Political Protection
The expanded case against Belinda Balluku puts the government’s defence of senior officials—and Parliament’s refusal to authorize her arrest—under renewed scrutiny. Tirana Times, October 20, 2026 – Albania’s special anti-corruption prosecution, SPAK, on Tuesday communicated final charges against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, including corruption, money laundering, asset concealment …
Albanian PM Rama Steps Up Rhetoric Against Student Protesters
Edi Rama described some of the student protesters involved in unrest in Tirana as extremists who have been manipulated by foreign powers, causing critics to warn that such harsh rhetoric may further inflame tensions. Original post Here
PM Rama: Stone marks boundary between right to protest and state authority
Prime Minister Edi Rama said student protests were being used to conceal acts of violence. He stressed that the problem was not students or citizens exercising their constitutional right to protest, but violent acts. Rama spoke during a meeting at the Ministry of Education with Minister Mirela Kumbaro and Tirana …
Education minister Kumbaro announces psychological support for children affected by unrest
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro said a team of psychologists would support children and families affected by violent protests. She made the announcement during a meeting at the Ministry of Education with Prime Minister Edi Rama and Tirana high school principals. Kumbaro thanked school leaders for maintaining parents’ trust. She said …
Clear skies across Albania on Tuesday
Albania will have clear skies throughout Tuesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Dry and stable westerly air masses will bring settled weather across the country throughout the day. Winds will blow from the southwest to southeast at an average speed of 6 metres per second. Along the coast, gusts …
Central bank assures public that deposits are safe and payments continue normally
The Bank of Albania said citizens’ deposits and savings remain safe despite damage to some bank branches and ATMs during recent youth protests. It also confirmed that payment services continue to operate normally. In a public statement, the central bank said it was closely monitoring recent developments. It stressed that …
Albania marks 126th anniversary of national poet Naim Frashëri’s passing
Albania marks October 20 the 126th anniversary of the death of Naim Frashëri, a leading figure of the Albanian National Renaissance and the country’s national poet. Frashëri was born on May 25, 1846, in Frashër, Përmet. His literary work focused on the Albanian language, national identity, freedom and unity. His …
Seven Albanian Companies Showcase Olive Oil and Medicinal Herbs at SIAL Paris 2026
Seven Albanian companies are showcasing olive oil and medicinal and aromatic plants at SIAL Paris 2026, one of the world’s largest food fairs. The event runs from October 17 to 21 at the Paris Nord Villepinte exhibition centre. The companies are exhibiting at the Albanian Pavilion in Hall 4, Stand …
Haxhiu denies Kosova’s Self-Determination Movement called on its supporters to join Tirana protests
Kosova Assembly Speaker Albulena Haxhiu, who belongs to the Self-Determination Movement, denied that her party had called on its supporters to join the protests in Tirana. She said the party could not be held responsible for its supporters’ individual decisions. Haxhiu stressed that public support for the movement did not …
Durrës’ main entrance has undergone a major transformation following the reconstruction of Adria Street, improving access and creating more space for pedestrians and cyclists. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of the renovated road on social media. The project features new sidewalks, bicycle lanes, modern lighting, road signs and green …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has ruled out resigning despite weeks of protests in Tirana, telling Greek newspaper Kathimerini that governments change through elections, not violence. Rama acknowledged young people’s concerns about education, corruption and the cost of living. He said these issues demand concrete solutions and pledged additional measures for …
Europe and Foreign Affairs Minister Ferit Hoxha has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to democratic freedoms, stressing that peaceful protest is a fundamental right but violence and vandalism have no place in political expression. Hoxha made the remarks during a meeting with ambassadors of European Union member states in Albania on …
Albania recorded an annual inflation rate of 2.9% in September, below the European Union average, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said, pointing to the resilience of the country’s economy amid price pressures. In a social media post, Malaj highlighted measures the government has introduced to monitor prices and protect household purchasing …
The Academy of Sciences of Albania has commemorated academician Alfred Uçi, a leading philosopher, aesthetician and cultural thinker who helped shape Albania’s school of aesthetic studies. The tribute marks 10 years since his death on Oct. 26, 2016. Born in Korçë on Dec. 12, 1930, Uçi studied philosophy at Moscow’s …
A total of 250 recruits, including 28 women, have begun Basic Individual Training as they take their first steps toward military careers in the Albanian Armed Forces. At a send-off ceremony at the “Skënderbej” Garrison in Tirana, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi praised the recruits for choosing to serve their country. …
Deputy Economy and Innovation Minister Enkelejd Musabelliu presented a consumer protection bill to the Parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs. The bill aligns Albanian legislation with 15 European Union legal acts, including 14 directives and one regulation. It addresses digitalisation, online trade and demand for sustainable products and services. …
The cruise ship Oosterdam arrived at the Port of Saranda on Monday morning with around 1,900 tourists of various nationalities on board, according to the port authority. During their stay, visitors can explore Saranda and nearby tourist destinations. These include the area’s natural attractions and cultural heritage. The arrival adds …
Prime Minister Edi Rama renewed his call for dialogue with students on Monday, following 13 days of protests in the capital. Rama shared images of the chairs placed outside the Prime Minister’s Office, symbolically reiterating his invitation for dialogue. The protests have continued for 13 days, marked by violent clashes …
Albanian President Bajram Begaj reacted on Monday to the victory of the Albanian coalition in the Preševo Valley, describing the result as a victory for unity, dignity, and political representation. In his message, Begaj emphasized that the election result should serve as an opportunity to advance the rights of Albanians …